6 Texas Restaurants To Skip & 6 Worth The Trip
Texas is known for its larger-than-life food scene, but not every spot lives up to the hype.
I’ve traveled across the Lone Star State sampling everything from smoky brisket to Tex-Mex classics.
Some restaurants left me wishing I’d saved my money, while others had me planning my next visit before I’d even paid the bill.
Here’s my honest take on which Texas eateries deserve your attention and which ones you can confidently cross off your list.
1. SKIP: Rainforest Cafe – Jungle Theming Can’t Hide Mediocre Food
Remember my birthday dinner at the Rainforest Cafe in Grapevine? The animatronic gorillas and periodic thunderstorms certainly entertained my kids, but the food was as forgettable as yesterday’s leftovers.
The burgers arrived overcooked, and the pasta dishes could’ve come from any chain restaurant freezer section. My daughter’s chicken fingers were dry as the Sahara, requiring a flood of ketchup just to make them edible.
You’re paying premium prices for atmosphere, not quality. If you absolutely must experience the jungle ambiance, grab a drink at the bar and snap your photos, but save your appetite (and wallet) for somewhere that puts as much effort into their menu as they do their decor.
2. SKIP: Joe’s Crab Shack – Seafood That Misses The Boat
During a weekend getaway to Galveston, I made the rookie mistake of hitting Joe’s Crab Shack for what I hoped would be fresh Gulf seafood. Boy, was I wrong! The crab legs arrived lukewarm and required Olympic-level strength to crack open for minimal meat.
The waitstaff, though friendly, seemed more focused on performing choreographed dance routines than checking if we needed refills. Their signature seafood steam pots contained shellfish that tasted like they’d taken a detour through the freezer one too many times.
For the steep prices they charge, you’d expect ocean-fresh flavors, not the bland, previously-frozen fare they’re serving up. Save your seafood cravings for local spots where the catch actually came in that morning.
3. SKIP: Saltgrass Steak House – All Hat, No Cattle
Last month, I took my visiting in-laws to Saltgrass, thinking I couldn’t go wrong with a Texas-themed steakhouse. The rustic decor and Texas memorabilia initially impressed, but the excitement faded faster than a prairie sunset when our food arrived.
My medium-rare ribeye showed up well-done and lacking the marbling you’d expect from quality beef. The mashed potatoes tasted suspiciously instant, and the vegetables had clearly been steamed into submission long before we arrived.
The complimentary bread was the highlight never a good sign when the free stuff outshines your $30 steak. For similar prices, countless independent Texas steakhouses serve genuinely memorable cuts with sides that don’t feel mass-produced.
4. SKIP: Black-eyed Pea – Southern Comfort Food That Misses Home
Growing up with a Southern grandmother, I have high standards for comfort food. Black-eyed Pea promised home-style cooking but delivered what felt like the Cliff’s Notes version instead. My chicken-fried steak arrived with gravy that had clearly come from a packet rather than being made with pan drippings.
The namesake black-eyed peas lacked the smoky ham flavor that makes this humble legume shine. Even the cornbread – a Southern staple that’s hard to mess up was dry and crumbly instead of moist and buttery.
Service moved at a glacial pace, with our server disappearing for extended periods. When you’re craving Southern comfort food in Texas, countless family-owned spots serve the real deal with recipes passed down through generations.
5. SKIP: Luby’s – Cafeteria Nostalgia That’s Past Its Prime
Confession time: I have a soft spot for Luby’s. My grandparents took me there after church every Sunday, and that LuAnn Platter holds a special place in my heart. But nostalgia can’t mask the reality of today’s Luby’s experience.
On my recent visit, the once-proud cafeteria line featured dried-out roast beef sitting under heat lamps for who knows how long. The mac and cheese – once creamy and decadent – had congealed into a solid mass that my fork stood up in.
The aging decor hasn’t been updated since the 90s, and the dwindling customer base tells the sad story of a Texas institution that’s failing to evolve. Sometimes memories should stay memories, especially when the present reality can’t live up to the past.
6. SKIP: Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen – Neither Scratch-Made Nor Memorable
The name “Scratch Kitchen” created expectations that my dinner at Cheddar’s spectacularly failed to meet. My honey-butter croissants arrived cold in the center – a telltale sign they were reheated rather than freshly baked.
The menu spans everything from pasta to burgers to ribs, and this lack of focus shows in the execution. My chicken pot pie tasted like it came straight from the freezer section, with a gummy crust and filling that lacked any herb presence or homemade quality.
The massive portions might seem like a good value, but quantity can’t compensate for quality. With prices creeping up to match more authentic restaurants, Cheddar’s falls into that unfortunate middle ground – too expensive for fast food quality, yet nowhere near the scratch-made experience they advertise.
7. WORTH IT: Franklin Barbecue – The Wait That Rewards Your Patience
Four hours. That’s how long I stood in line at Franklin Barbecue in Austin one sweltering July morning. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Aaron Franklin’s brisket isn’t just food – it’s a religious experience that’s ruined all other barbecue for me.
The outer bark crackles with perfectly rendered fat and peppery crust, while the inside remains impossibly moist and tender. Each slice pulls apart with just the slightest tug, revealing a pink smoke ring that speaks to the 12+ hours of loving attention.
Bring lawn chairs, make friends with fellow line-standers, and treat the wait as part of the experience. Just don’t make my rookie mistake of filling up on sides every precious inch of stomach space should be reserved for that transcendent brisket.
8. WORTH IT: Pecan Lodge – Dallas BBQ Royalty That Lives Up To The Hype
After a disappointing barbecue experience in Houston, I was skeptical when friends insisted we drive to Deep Ellum for Pecan Lodge. The moment I bit into their beef rib – a prehistoric-looking meat monument that could feed a family – my doubts vanished faster than their daily meat supply.
Unlike places that rely on sauce to mask mediocre meat, Pecan Lodge’s perfectly smoked offerings need no enhancement. The mac and cheese with bacon crumbles might be the best side dish in Texas, creamy with a crisp top that provides the perfect textural contrast.
Pro tip: Order the “Trough” for a sampler of everything they do well. And if you’re line-averse, their express line for orders over 5 pounds lets you skip the wait – just bring hungry friends!
9. WORTH IT: The Big Texan Steak Ranch – More Than Just A Gimmick
Yes, The Big Texan is touristy. Yes, the 72-ounce steak challenge is a gimmick. But beneath the Route 66 kitsch and cowboy decor lies a genuinely excellent steakhouse that’s worth the detour to Amarillo.
I skipped the challenge steak for their more reasonably sized ribeye, which arrived with a perfect char outside and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness inside. The mountain oysters (if you dare) are actually delicious – crispy, flavorful, and a true Texas experience.
The gift shop madness and occasional steak challenge spectacle add to the fun rather than detract from it. After 60+ years in business, they could coast on reputation alone, but the quality remains impressive. Just be prepared for the sensory overload of taxidermy, neon, and cowboy memorabilia!
10. WORTH IT: Killen’s BBQ – Houston’s Barbecue Game-Changer
After hearing a fellow foodie describe Killen’s as “life-changing barbecue,” I made the pilgrimage to Pearland expecting disappointment. Instead, I found myself texting friends before I’d even finished my meal: “Cancel your plans tomorrow. We’re coming back here.”
Chef Ronnie Killen brings fine-dining precision to Texas barbecue traditions. His brisket balances smokiness with beef flavor perfectly, while the beef ribs – massive, dinosaur-sized hunks of meat – showcase a peppery crust that gives way to buttery, tender meat underneath.
Don’t skip the sides – the creamed corn alone is worth the drive from Houston. And save room for the bread pudding, which somehow manages to be both comforting and sophisticated. Just prepare for potential meat sweats afterward – a small price to pay for barbecue perfection.
11. WORTH IT: Matt’s El Rancho – Tex-Mex Institution That Defines A Genre
The moment I dipped a chip into Matt’s El Rancho’s famous Bob Armstrong dip – a gooey concoction of queso, guacamole, and seasoned ground beef – I understood why this Austin institution has thrived since 1952. The dip alone is worth fighting Austin traffic for.
Their enchiladas arrive bubbling hot with that perfect ratio of sauce to cheese, while the carne guisada tacos feature tender beef in a rich gravy that puts most high-end restaurants to shame. Even something as simple as their rice and beans shows attention to detail that chain restaurants can’t match.
Presidents and celebrities have made pilgrimages here for decades, but Matt’s treats every customer like Texan royalty. Come hungry and order family-style – the leftovers might be the best part!
12. WORTH IT: Rudy’s Country Store & Bar-B-Q – Gas Station BBQ That Defies Expectations
“You’re taking us to eat at a gas station?” My New York friends were skeptical when I pulled into Rudy’s. By the time we left, they were plotting how to ship Rudy’s brisket back east.
Don’t let the gas pumps outside or the plastic trays fool you – Rudy’s serves legitimately outstanding barbecue. Their moist brisket (request it from the fatty end) rivals fancier establishments, while their turkey defies the usual dry fate of smoked poultry. The creamed corn and potato salad complement the meats perfectly.
With multiple locations across Texas, Rudy’s maintains remarkable consistency without sacrificing quality. The casual atmosphere and reasonable prices make this a regular stop on my Texas road trips. Just remember to order extra sauce – that “sause” (as they spell it) is addictively tangy!